Richland's Fall Carnival Brings Family Fun To John Dam Plaza October 24 (Photo) - 10/20/26

The City of Richland Parks and Recreation Department invites families to celebrate the season at the annual Fall Carnival on Saturday, October 24, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  The event will take place at John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, as well as a portion of The Parkway between Lee Blvd. and Knight St.

This family-friendly event will feature free games, activities, treats, and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy hayrides, a maze, a scavenger hunt, music, and a free pumpkin patch hosted by the Richland Police Department.

Richland Fire and Emergency Services will also join the fun, giving kids a chance to meet local firefighters and get an up-close look at a fire truck. 

Other activities include Miss Kelly's slightly spooky story time and trick-or-treating along the Parkway with participating businesses. Prime Dental Tri-Cities will provide free treat bags for children to collect candy and goodies throughout the event.

Families are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and participate in the costume contest beginning at 3:30 p.m. Members of the Richland Parks and Recreation Commission will serve as judges, with prizes awarded in various age groups and categories.

Additional attractions include free family photos courtesy of Dorian Photography and free play on Hoop Tri-Cities' mobile basketball arcade game.

Food, snacks, and other items will be available for purchase from The Corndog Co. of Eastern WA, Gabby's Kettlecorn, JackWagon, Sweet Snack Attack and Vivid Imaginations Face Painting.

Temporary Road Closure

To accommodate the event, Knight St. between Jadwin Ave. and George Washington Way, will be closed on Saturday, October 24, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Parkway between Knight St. and Lee Blvd. will be closed to vehicles from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Vehicles parked there will be unable to leave until after the event.

Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and watch for increased pedestrian activity near the event area. The City appreciates the community's patience during this temporary closure.

The Fall Carnival is a great opportunity for families and neighbors to gather, support local businesses and enjoy an afternoon of fall festivities in downtown Richland.

For more information, visit the Richland Parks and Recreation website or follow Richland Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

The City Of Richland Seeks Interested Residents To Serve On Arts Commission - 10/19/26

The City of Richland is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Arts Commission.

The Arts Commission advises City Council and staff on visual, performing, and literary arts to enrich the community’s cultural life. The Commission encourages and supports the arts in Richland to improve quality of life, strengthen economic development, and revitalize the community.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of the arts in Richland and contribute to a vibrant community

For details and application information, visit the City’s Current Vacancies webpage.

Friends Of The Richland Library Annual Fall Book Sale Returns October 21–24 - 10/14/26

Book lovers and bargain hunters are invited to browse hundreds of books and support a great cause during the Friends of the Richland Library Annual Fall Book Sale, October 21–24, at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

Held in the Library Gallery, the annual sale offers an opportunity to discover new favorite authors, stock up on reading material, and give previously loved books a new home. Proceeds from the sale support library programs and services that benefit the Richland community.

The four-day event includes a special preview for Friends of the Library members, two days of shopping for the general public, and a popular $5 bag sale on the final day.

Book Sale Schedule:

Wednesday, October 21 | 5–7 p.m. – Friends-Only Preview: Friends of the Library members receive early access to the sale. Not a member? Memberships can be purchased at the event to participate in the preview.
Thursday, October 22 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. – General Public Sale: Open to everyone.
Friday, October 23 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. – General Public Sale: Another opportunity to browse and find great deals.
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – $5 Bag Sale: Fill a bag with books for just $5. It's a great opportunity to stock up while supporting the library.

The Friends of the Richland Library is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the library through fundraising and community involvement. Revenue from the annual book sale helps support library programs and services.

Whether you're searching for your next great read or looking to build your home library on a budget, the Fall Book Sale offers something for everyone.

For additional information, visit myrichlandlibrary.org or view the event schedule on the library's online calendar.

Leslie Groves Tennis Courts Celebrate Grand Reopening - 10/12/26

The City of Richland invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated tennis courts at Leslie Groves Park on Tuesday, October 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The celebration will include a ribbon cutting with City leaders and Parks and Recreation staff, followed by Mayor Theresa Richardson and Councilmember Pat Holten taking to the court for a friendly volley to officially put the newly renovated courts into play.

The project included a full renovation of the tennis court facility, including removal and replacement of the existing foundation, construction of a new concrete playing surface, installation of new netting equipment and a rebound wall, and replacement of the perimeter fencing. The improvements were constructed within the footprint of the existing courts, creating a refreshed, dedicated tennis facility for the community.

The renovation provides a modernized and durable facility designed to improve the playing experience and extend the useful life of the courts for years to come.

Leslie Groves Park is one of Richland’s popular riverfront parks and offers trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, river access, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Community members, tennis players, and park users are encouraged to attend, see the improvements, and help officially welcome players back to the courts.

Grand Reopening
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Leslie Groves Park Tennis Courts
40 Park Street, Richland

For more information about the project, visit richlandwa.gov/Projects.

Richland Public Library Closed October 12 For Annual Staff Training - 10/08/26

The Richland Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, for its annual staff training and development day.

The annual closure provides library employees with an opportunity to participate in professional development, training, and team-building activities designed to strengthen services and enhance the customer experience.

The library will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, October 13.

Community members are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly. While the building is closed, patrons can continue to access digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, and other online services, at www.myrichlandlibrary.org.

The City of Richland appreciates the community's understanding as library staff take this time to learn, collaborate, and prepare to better serve residents.

West Village Community Park Enters Next Phase Of Development - 10/06/26

Construction is beginning on the next phase of West Village Community Park, bringing a new playground and site improvements to the 33.70-acre park in the Badger Mountain South neighborhood.

Work is scheduled to begin this week near the intersection of Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way. This phase includes site preparation, installation of new playground equipment and surfacing, and minor landscaping adjustments.

The new playground is designed to offer a variety of play experiences for children of different ages and abilities. Features will include accessible and sensory play elements, climbing opportunities, slides, swings and other interactive components.

The majority of construction is expected to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. A small number of custom playground panels are expected to arrive and be installed in late December.

West Village Community Park encompasses approximately 33.70 acres and is located near Richland Fire Station 76. Phase 1 developed approximately five acres of the park, creating the foundation for future recreational amenities as the surrounding Badger Mountain South neighborhood continues to grow.

Residents may see construction activity and equipment in the area while work is underway and are asked to use caution around the construction zone.

For project updates and additional information, visit the West Village Community Park – Phase II project page richlandwa.gov/Projects.

City Invites Community To Comprehensive Plan Open House October 7 (Photo) - 10/01/26

The City of Richland is inviting residents, businesses, and community members to an open house on Wednesday, October 7, to learn about and provide input on the City’s draft Comprehensive Plan and proposed updates to the Development Regulations.

The open house will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, in the Doris Roberts Gallery.

Attendees can stop by anytime during the two-hour open house to:

Talk with City staff and consultants from AHBL and Transpo Group about the plan and ask questions.
Explore an interactive map showing current and proposed zoning and land use changes throughout Richland.
Learn more about proposed Development Regulation changes, including changes intended to increase available housing options.
Review the draft Comprehensive Plan and learn about the next steps in the adoption process.
Enjoy refreshments while visiting the different information stations.

Richland is nearing completion of a year-long process to update its Comprehensive Plan, which will provide a 20-year framework for local planning, infrastructure policy, and investment through 2046. The City is also updating its Development Regulations, including its zoning and subdivision codes, to meet state requirements and implement the plan.

Community involvement has been an important part of the update process. Since the project began, residents, stakeholders and agencies have provided input through open houses, community surveys, pop-up events, and other outreach opportunities. The Richland Planning Commission has overseen the planning process.

The October 7 open house provides another opportunity for the community to see how the plan is taking shape, understand proposed changes and ask questions before the formal public hearing process begins.

The Planning Commission is expected to hold the first public hearing on the proposed plan and regulations in late October, with adoption of the Comprehensive Plan anticipated in December 2026. An update to the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance is planned for early spring 2027.

Project information, draft documents, meeting dates, and opportunities to provide comments are available at Richlandwa.gov/CompPlan.

Open House
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Richland Public Library – Doris Roberts Gallery
955 Northgate Drive, Richland